The Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family announces that, as of March 15, 2025, a new payment method will be implemented for specific welfare benefits, allowances, and financial aid provided by the Public Employment Service (DYPA) and the Organization for Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity (OPEKA).
The new procedure provides for the crediting of amounts to a special prepaid card, issued by a Payment Service Provider (PSP), where the beneficiary maintains an active payment account (IBAN).
📍 Key Points of the New Payment Method:
- Each beneficiary will have a unique prepaid card covering all social benefits they receive.
- Beneficiaries may withdraw up to 50% of each allowance in cash, while the remaining amount must be used exclusively through the card.
- The card can be used only in Greece and EU countries for the purchase of goods and services. Transactions related to weapons and gambling are excluded.
- Exemptions apply to individuals with certified visual impairment of 80% or more; for them, payments will continue via IBAN.
- The Child Benefit (A21) will be included in the new system as of May 30, 2025.
- Cardholders will also participate in a public lottery, with prizes for those who use their card more frequently for transactions.
⚠️ IMPORTANT! Individuals with an official health committee certificate proving 80% or more visual impairment remain excluded from the prepaid card system. Payments will continue through their registered IBAN.
📍 Which Benefits Will Be Paid via the Prepaid Card?
➡ OPEKA Benefits:
✅ Guaranteed Income
✅ Foster Care Allowance
✅ Birth Grant
✅ Child Benefit (A21)
➡ DYPA Benefits:
✅ Regular Unemployment Benefit
✅ Long-term Unemployment Allowance
✅ Special Allowance for Vulnerable Groups
✅ Seasonal Benefits
✅ Parental Leave Allowance
✅ Special Maternity Protection Benefit
✅ Supplementary Maternity Benefit
✅ Employment Benefit
✅ Tourist Guide Allowance
✅ Forestry Worker Allowance
✅ Special Benefit for Slaughterhouse Workers
✅ Unemployment Assistance for Self-Employed (former ETAA, OAEE, ETAP-MME)
🏦 Participating Banks:
✔ National Bank of Greece
✔ Alpha Bank
✔ Attica Bank
✔ Piraeus Bank
✔ Eurobank
✔ Cooperative Bank of Epirus
✔ Cooperative Bank of Karditsa
✔ Cooperative Bank of Thessaly
⚠️ Note: If you do not have an account with one of the above banks, you must open one in order to receive your prepaid card.
🛠 How to Apply for the Prepaid Card ?
📍 Applications are processed automatically through the new Integrated Information System (OPS) at:
➡ https://prepaid.minscfa.gov.gr/
💡 Steps:
1️⃣ The system retrieves your data from DYPA and OPEKA databases.
2️⃣ You will receive a notification to confirm or update your details within 5 days.
3️⃣ If no changes are made, your application proceeds automatically.
4️⃣ The card is issued and sent to your registered address.
✅ TaxisNet credentials are required to log in.
🔔 What You Should Do Immediately!
✅ Ensure you have an IBAN account with a participating bank.
✅ Verify that your contact details (address, IBAN) are correct on DYPA and/or OPEKA platforms.
✅ Monitor your email for notifications regarding your card issuance.
👉 From March 15, 2025, payments will be made exclusively via prepaid card!
For more information, visit: https://prepaid.minscfa.gov.gr/ & https://minscfa.gov.gr/enimerosi-dikaiouchon-gia-ton-neo-tropo-katavolis-pronoiakon-parochon-meso-propliromenon-karton/
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